Remote suction configuration, method, and retrofit kit for exhaust-producing power tools used indoors

ABSTRACT

A remote suction configuration, method, and retrofit kit for ventilating exhaust from an exhaust-producing power tool used indoors. An exhaust conduit is connected between an exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool used within a substantially enclosed structure and an intake port of a vacuum apparatus placed externally to the structure. Universal connectors or retrofit adapters are provided at the ends of the exhaust conduit to connect the exhaust conduit between an exhaust port of the exhaust-producing tool and an intake port of the vacuum apparatus. In this manner, exhaust produced by the tool may be actively pulled through the conduit to an external environment instead of relying on the tool to push the exhaust the entire length of the conduit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Certain embodiments relate to powered tools and exhaust removal or ventilation. More particularly, certain embodiments relate to a configuration, a method, and a retrofit kit for extracting exhaust produced by a powered tool used indoors.

BACKGROUND

From time-to-time, construction and remodeling of homes or other buildings requires use of some heavy tooling in order to accomplish certain tasks such as, for example, cutting through concrete in a basement to run new sewer lines. This heavy tooling may be, for example, gas-powered and result in the problem of exhaust build-up in a confined space. Often, workers open a window and sometimes use a fan to try to circulate fresh air into the space in order to evacuate the exhaust produced by such heavy tools.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional, traditional, and proposed approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such approaches with embodiments of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of configuring elements for ventilating exhaust from an exhaust-producing tool used indoors. The method includes connecting a proximal end of an exhaust conduit to an exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool to be used within a structure, and routing a distal end of the exhaust conduit through a port of the structure. The method further includes connecting the distal end of the exhaust conduit to an intake port of a vacuum apparatus positioned outside of the structure. The method also includes activating the exhaust-producing tool within the structure and activating the vacuum apparatus to pull exhaust produced by the activated exhaust-producing tool from the exhaust port through the exhaust conduit and into the vacuum apparatus. The method further includes evacuating the exhaust from the vacuum apparatus through an exit port of the vacuum apparatus into an environment being external to the structure.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust conduit is expandable and/or substantially flexible. The port of the structure may include one of an open window of the structure, an open door of the structure, or an open vent of the structure, for example. The structure may include a house (e.g., a basement of a house), an apartment, or an office building, for example.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the exhaust-producing tool may include a gasoline-fueled tool, a diesel-fueled tool, or a kerosene-fueled tool, for example. Furthermore, the exhaust-producing tool may include a cutting tool, a pounding tool, a grinding tool, or a crushing tool, for example, or some other type of mobile construction tool.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a configuration enabling the ventilating of exhaust produced indoors. The configuration includes a structure substantially enclosing an interior region and having a portal leading from the interior region to a region exterior to the structure, and an exhaust-producing tool having an exhaust port and being located within the interior region substantially enclosed by the structure. The configuration further includes an exhaust conduit having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connected to the exhaust port of the exhaust-producing tool, and the distal end is routed through the portal of said structure. The configuration also includes a vacuum apparatus having an intake port and being located externally to the structure and proximal to the portal. The distal end of the exhaust conduit is connected to the intake port. When the exhaust-producing tool and the vacuum apparatus are activated, exhaust produced by the exhaust-producing tool is actively sucked through the exhaust conduit by the vacuum apparatus and expelled from the vacuum apparatus into the region exterior to the structure.

A further embodiment of the present invention comprises a retrofit kit enabling the ventilating of exhaust produced indoors by an exhaust-producing tool. The retrofit kit includes an exhaust conduit having a proximal end and a distal end. The retrofit kit further includes a universal proximal end connector being connected to the proximal end of the exhaust conduit and capable of being connected to an exhaust port of any of a plurality of different types of exhaust-producing tools. The retrofit kit also includes a universal distal end connector being connected to the distal end of the exhaust conduit and capable of being connected to an intake port of any of a plurality of different types of vacuum apparatuses.

Still another embodiment of the present invention comprises a retrofit kit enabling the ventilating of exhaust produced indoors by an exhaust-producing tool. The retrofit kit includes an exhaust conduit having a proximal end and a distal end. The retrofit kit further includes a first retrofit adapter specifically designed to be connected between the proximal end of the exhaust conduit and a first specific type of exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool. The retrofit kit also includes a second retrofit adapter specifically designed to be connected between the distal end of the exhaust conduit and a first specific type of intake port of a vacuum apparatus. The retrofit kit may further include a third retrofit adapter specifically designed to be connected between the proximal end of the exhaust conduit and a second specific type of exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool. The retrofit kit may still further include a fourth retrofit adapter specifically designed to be connected between the distal end of the exhaust conduit and a second specific type of intake port of a vacuum apparatus.

Still a further embodiment of the present invention comprises a configuration enabling the ventilating of exhaust and the removal of debris produced indoors. The configuration includes structure substantially enclosing an interior region and having a portal leading from the interior region to a region exterior to the structure. The configuration also includes an exhaust-producing tool having an exhaust port, and being located within the interior region substantially enclosed by the structure. The exhaust-producing tool is capable of producing debris when acting upon a workpiece. The configuration further includes a conduit having an exhaust branch connected to the exhaust port of the exhaust-producing tool, a debris branch connected to a debris removal port, and a vacuum branch routed through the portal of the structure. The configuration also includes a vacuum apparatus having an intake port and being located externally to the structure and proximal to the portal. The vacuum branch of the conduit is connected to the intake port of the vacuum apparatus. When the exhaust-producing tool and the vacuum apparatus are activated, exhaust produced by the exhaust-producing tool is actively sucked through the exhaust branch of the conduit by the vacuum apparatus and into the vacuum branch. Furthermore, debris produced by the exhaust-producing tool is actively sucked through the debris branch of the conduit by the vacuum apparatus and into the vacuum branch.

These and other features of the claimed invention, as well as details of illustrated embodiments thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a configuration enabling the ventilating of exhaust produced indoors;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of an expandable and flexible exhaust conduit used in the configuration of FIG. 1 and shown in an unexpanded state;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of an example embodiment of a method of configuring elements for ventilating exhaust from an exhaust-producing tool used indoors;

FIGS. 4A-4B shows two views of an example embodiment of a portion of an exhaust conduit having a retrofit adapter specifically designed to be connected to a specific type of exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool;

FIG. 5 illustrates the portion of the exhaust conduit of FIGS. 4A-4B being connected, via the retrofit adapter, to a specific type of exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool;

FIG. 6A illustrates an example embodiment of a universal proximal end connector at a proximal end of an exhaust conduit and being connected to a first type of exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool;

FIG. 6B illustrates an example embodiment of the universal proximal end connector of FIG. 6A at a proximal end of an exhaust conduit and being connected to a second type of exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of an alternative conduit configuration for collecting debris and exhaust.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a configuration 100 enabling the ventilating of exhaust 135 produced indoors. The configuration includes an exhaust-producing tool 110 located in a substantially enclosed interior of a structure 105. The structure 105 may be, for example, a portion of an office building, an apartment, or a house (e.g., the basement of a house). The exhaust-producing tool 110 may be, for example, some sort of construction tool having an engine such as, for example, a cutting tool, a pounding tool, a grinding tool, or a crushing tool. Other types of exhaust-producing tools are possible as well. Furthermore, the exhaust-producing tool 110 may be fueled by gasoline, kerosene, or diesel fuel, for example. Other types of exhaust-producing fuels are possible as well. The tool 110 may be a portable hand-held tool, or a heavy, yet mobile tool on wheels, for example, for cutting or breaking up concrete.

The configuration 100 further includes a vacuum apparatus 120 such as, for example, a vacuum pump located externally to the structure 105. The exhaust-producing tool 110 has an exhaust port 115 through which exhaust 135 produced by the tool 110 may be expelled. The vacuum apparatus 120 has an intake port 125 into which gas (e.g., air containing exhaust particles) may be sucked. Furthermore, the vacuum apparatus 120 has an exit port 126 through which exhaust 135 taken in by the vacuum apparatus 120 may be expelled into an external environment.

The configuration 100 also includes an exhaust conduit or duct 130 having a proximal end 131 and a distal end 132. The proximal end 131 is connected to the exhaust port 115 of the exhaust-producing tool 110, and the distal end 132 is routed through a portal 140 of the structure 105 and connected to the intake port 125 of the vacuum apparatus 120. The portal 140 may be a window, a door, or a vent, for example, which may be opened to allow routing of the distal end 132 of the exhaust conduit 130 from the interior of the structure 105 to an environment or region which is external to the structure 105 (e.g., through a basement window to a backyard area behind a house).

The exhaust conduit 130 may be made of a flexible and/or expandable material such that the conduit 130 may be easily routed from the tool 110 through the portal 140 and to the vacuum apparatus 120 (or vise versa), and such that the conduit may move easily with the tool 110 as the tool 110 is moved to perform work. FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of an expandable and flexible exhaust conduit 130 used in the configuration 100 of FIG. 1 and shown in an un-expanded state. For example, the exhaust conduit 130 may be made of a plastic material which is substantially resistant to high temperatures and heat of the exhaust 135 and/or of the exhaust port 115.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of an example embodiment of a method 300 of configuring elements for ventilating exhaust 135 from an exhaust-producing tool 110 used indoors. In step 310 of the method 300, connect a proximal end 131 of an exhaust conduit 130 to an exhaust port 115 of an exhaust-producing tool 110 to be used within a structure 105. In step 320, route a distal end 132 of the exhaust conduit 130 through a portal 140 of the structure 105. In step 330, connect the distal end 132 of the exhaust conduit 130 to an intake port 125 of a vacuum apparatus 120 positioned outside of the structure 105. In step 340, activate the exhaust-producing tool 110 within the structure 105. In step 350, activate the vacuum apparatus 120 to pull exhaust 135 produced by the activated exhaust-producing tool 110 from the exhaust port 115 through the exhaust conduit 130 and into the vacuum apparatus 120. In step 360, evacuate the exhaust 135 from the vacuum apparatus 120 through an exit port 126 of the vacuum apparatus 120 into an environment being external to the structure 105. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the method, the distal end 132 of the exhaust conduit 130 may be connected to the intake port 125 of the vacuum apparatus 120, and the proximal end 131 of the exhaust conduit 130 may be routed through the portal 140 and connected to the exhaust port 115 of the tool 110.

FIGS. 4A-4B show two views of an example embodiment of a portion of an exhaust conduit 400 having a retrofit adapter 410 specifically designed to be connected to a specific type of exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool. The adapter 410 has a first mating port 411 surrounded by a locking ring 412. FIG. 5 illustrates the portion of the exhaust conduit 400 of FIGS. 4A-4B being connected, via the retrofit adapter 410, to a specific type of exhaust port 510 of an exhaust-producing tool. The exhaust port 510 may include a muffler device, for example, protruding outward from the tool 500. The diameter of the mating port 411 has been designed to substantially match the diameter of the exhaust port 510 such that the exhaust port 510 just fits into the mating port 411 of the adapter 410.

Once the adapter 410 is fitted over the exhaust port 510, the locking ring 412 may be rotated to tighten the locking ring 412 onto the exhaust port 510, securely connecting the adapter 410 (and, therefore, the exhaust conduit 400) to the exhaust port 510. Such locking ring mechanisms are well known in the art. A similar retrofit adapter may be applied in a similar manner to connect a distal end of the exhaust conduit to an intake port of a vacuum apparatus.

The adapter 410 may have free-flowing air vents (e.g., small holes or perforations) to allow air to be sucked into the adapter 410 such that all of the vacuum sucking action is not applied to the exhaust port 510, possibly creating an undesirable pressure differential across the exhaust port 510. If the vacuum draws more air than the tool puts out, then the vacuum may stall the engine of the tool because it may draw too much air through the engine. Such free-flowing air vents may also be located at other positions along the exhaust conduit and/or adapter on the distal end of the conduit.

Furthermore, the retrofit adapter 410 may include a similar locking ring 413 on the opposite end of the adapter 410 in order to connect the adapter 410 to the proximal end of the exhaust conduit 400 in a similar manner. The locking ring 413 surrounds a second mating port (not shown) having a diameter designed to substantially match the diameter of the proximal end of the conduit 400 such that the proximal end of the conduit 400 just fits into the second mating port of the adapter 410. The second mating port of the adapter 410 may have a substantially different diameter than the first mating port 411 of the adapter 410. In this manner, a particular retrofit adapter is designed to mate or connect a particular exhaust conduit to a particular exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool, or to a particular intake port of a vacuum apparatus.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a retrofit adapter may instead have a threaded connector that is capable of being screwed into a threaded exhaust port of a tool after, for example, a muffler device has been unscrewed from the threaded exhaust port. Similarly, a retrofit adapter may have a threaded connector that is capable of being screwed into a threaded intake port of a vacuum apparatus. Furthermore, a retrofit adapter may have a threaded connector that is capable of being screwed into a proximal or distal end of an exhaust conduit.

In accordance with further alternative embodiments of the present invention, instead of a retrofit adapter designed specifically for a particular type and size of an exhaust port, a universal connector may be provided. An embodiment of a universal connector may be similar to the adapter of FIGS. 4A-4B and FIG. 5, except that one end of the universal connector is permanently connected to a proximal (or distal) end of an exhaust conduit, and the other end of the universal connector has a rotatable locking ring such that, when the locking ring is rotated, the diameter of the corresponding mating port changes. That is, when the locking ring is rotated for example clockwise, the diameter of the mating port decreases, and when the locking ring is rotated for example counter-clockwise, the diameter of the mating port increases. As a result, the diameter of the mating port may be adjusted to fit the diameter of a wide variety of exhaust ports or intake ports and, therefore, a single type of universal connector may be used for many different types of tools and vacuum apparatuses.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example alternative embodiment of a universal proximal end connector 610 at a proximal end of an exhaust conduit 600 and being connected to a first type of exhaust port 620 of an exhaust-producing tool 630. Similarly, FIG. 6B illustrates an example alternative embodiment of the universal proximal end connector 610 at a proximal end of an exhaust conduit 600 and being connected to a second type of exhaust port 640 of an exhaust-producing tool 650. The universal proximal end connector 610 is made of a flexible mesh that may be wrapped around and tied, clamped, or clipped to any of a variety of exhaust ports (e.g., muffler devices or exhaust pipes) having various shapes and sizes. Similarly, a universal distal end connector may be provided to connect a distal end of an exhaust conduit to an intake port of any of a variety of vacuum apparatuses in a similar manner.

In accordance with various other alternative embodiments of the present invention, other types of retrofit adapters and universal connectors may be provided as well that are capable of connecting an exhaust conduit between an exhaust-producing tool and a vacuum apparatus.

In accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, an exhaust system may be combined with or “piggy-backed” onto a system that draws debris from the tool. For example, an attachment may split off from a vacuum system that also collects debris produced from using the tool. FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of an alternative conduit configuration 700 for collecting debris 725 and exhaust 735. The conduit configuration 700 handles both debris 725 produced by the tool (e.g., due to the tool operating on a workpiece) and exhaust 735 produced by the tool. The conduit configuration 700 has a first branch 710 that leads to a vacuum pump that is designed to take in debris 725 and exhaust 735, a second branch 720 that leads to a debris remover designed to suck up and remove debris 725 produced by the tool, and a third branch 730 that leads to an exhaust port of the tool as previously described herein. A T-shaped adapter 740 connects the three branches together. The debris 725 may include, for example, saw dust, concrete dust, or small chunks of broken concrete. In this manner, the conduit configuration 700 of FIG. 7 allows a single vacuum pump to be used to extract both debris 725 and exhaust 735 from an interior of a structure.

In summary, a remote suction configuration, method, and retrofit kit for ventilating exhaust from an exhaust-producing power tool used indoors are disclosed. An exhaust conduit is connected between an exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool used within a substantially enclosed structure and an intake port of a vacuum apparatus placed externally to the structure. Universal connectors or retrofit adapters are provided at the ends of the exhaust conduit to connect the exhaust conduit between an exhaust port of the exhaust-producing tool and an intake port of the vacuum apparatus. In this manner, exhaust produced by the tool may be actively pulled through the conduit to an external environment instead of relying on the tool to push the exhaust the entire length of the conduit.

While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A method of configuring elements for ventilating exhaust from an exhaust-producing tool used indoors, said method comprising: connecting a proximal end of an exhaust conduit to an exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool to be used within a structure; routing a distal end of said exhaust conduit through a port of said structure; connecting said distal end of said exhaust conduit to an intake port of a vacuum apparatus positioned outside of said structure; activating said exhaust-producing tool within said structure; activating said vacuum apparatus to pull exhaust produced by said activated exhaust-producing tool from said exhaust port through said exhaust conduit and into said vacuum apparatus; and evacuating said exhaust from said vacuum apparatus through an exit port of said vacuum apparatus into an environment being external to said structure.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said exhaust conduit is expandable.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said exhaust conduit is substantially flexible.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said port of said structure includes one of an open window of said structure, an open door of said structure, and an open vent of said structure.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said structure includes one of a house, an apartment, and an office building.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein said structure includes a basement of a house.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said exhaust-producing tool includes one of a gasoline-fueled tool, a diesel-fueled tool, and a kerosene-fueled tool.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein said exhaust-producing tool includes one of a cutting tool, a pounding tool, a grinding tool, and a crushing tool.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein said exhaust-producing tool includes a mobile construction tool.
 10. A configuration enabling the ventilating of exhaust produced indoors, said configuration comprising: a structure substantially enclosing an interior region and having a portal leading from said interior region to a region exterior to said structure; an exhaust-producing tool having an exhaust port, and being located within said interior region substantially enclosed by said structure; an exhaust conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, where said proximal end is connected to said exhaust port of said exhaust-producing tool, and where said distal end is routed through said portal of said structure; and a vacuum apparatus having an intake port and being located externally to said structure and proximal to said portal, where said distal end of said exhaust conduit is connected to said intake port, wherein, when said exhaust-producing tool and said vacuum apparatus are activated, exhaust produced by said exhaust-producing tool is actively sucked through said exhaust conduit by said vacuum apparatus and expelled from said vacuum apparatus into said region exterior to said structure.
 11. The configuration of claim 10 wherein said exhaust conduit is expandable.
 12. The configuration of claim 10 wherein said exhaust conduit is substantially flexible.
 13. The configuration of claim 10 wherein said portal of said structure includes one of an open window of said structure, an open door of said structure, and an open vent of said structure.
 14. The configuration of claim 10 wherein said structure includes one of a house, an apartment, and an office building.
 15. The configuration of claim 10 wherein said structure includes a basement of a house.
 16. The configuration of claim 10 wherein said exhaust-producing tool includes one of a gasoline-fueled tool, a diesel-fueled tool, and a kerosene-fueled tool.
 17. The configuration of claim 10 wherein said exhaust-producing tool includes one of a cutting tool, a pounding tool, a grinding tool, and a crushing tool.
 18. The configuration of claim 10 wherein said exhaust-producing tool includes a mobile construction tool.
 19. The configuration of claim 10 wherein said proximal end of said exhaust conduit comprises a retrofit connector specifically designed to enable said proximal end of said exhaust conduit to be connected to said exhaust port of said exhaust-producing tool.
 20. The configuration of claim 10 wherein said proximal end of said exhaust conduit comprises a universal connector enabling said proximal end of said exhaust conduit to be connected to an exhaust port of a plurality of different types of exhaust-producing tools.
 21. A retrofit kit enabling the ventilating of exhaust produced indoors by an exhaust-producing tool, said retrofit kit comprising: an exhaust conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; a universal proximal end connector being connected to said proximal end of said exhaust conduit and capable of being connected to an exhaust port of any of a plurality of different types of exhaust-producing tools; and a universal distal end connector being connected to said distal end of said exhaust conduit and capable of being connected to an intake port of any of a plurality of different types of vacuum apparatuses.
 22. The retrofit kit of claim 21 wherein said exhaust conduit is expandable.
 23. The retrofit kit of claim 21 wherein said exhaust conduit is substantially flexible.
 24. A retrofit kit enabling the ventilating of exhaust produced indoors by an exhaust-producing tool, said retrofit kit comprising: an exhaust conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; a first retrofit adapter specifically designed to be connected between said proximal end of said exhaust conduit and a first specific type of exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool; and a second retrofit adapter specifically designed to be connected between said distal end of said exhaust conduit and a first specific type of intake port of a vacuum apparatus.
 25. The retrofit kit of claim 24 further comprising: a third retrofit adapter specifically designed to be connected between said proximal end of said exhaust conduit and a second specific type of exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool; and a fourth retrofit adapter specifically designed to be connected between said distal end of said exhaust conduit and a second specific type of intake port of a vacuum apparatus.
 26. The retrofit kit of claim 24 wherein said exhaust conduit is expandable.
 27. The retrofit kit of claim 24 wherein said exhaust conduit is substantially flexible.
 28. A configuration enabling the ventilating of exhaust and the removal of debris produced indoors, said configuration comprising: a structure substantially enclosing an interior region and having a portal leading from said interior region to a region exterior to said structure; an exhaust-producing tool having an exhaust port, and being located within said interior region substantially enclosed by said structure, wherein said exhaust-producing tool is capable of producing debris when acting upon a workpiece; a conduit having an exhaust branch connected to said exhaust port of said exhaust-producing tool, a debris branch connected to a debris removal port, and a vacuum branch routed through said portal of said structure; and a vacuum apparatus having an intake port and being located externally to said structure and proximal to said portal, where said vacuum branch of said conduit is connected to said intake port, wherein, when said exhaust-producing tool and said vacuum apparatus are activated, exhaust produced by said exhaust-producing tool is actively sucked through said exhaust branch of said conduit by said vacuum apparatus and into said vacuum branch, and wherein debris produced by said exhaust-producing tool is actively sucked through said debris branch of said conduit by said vacuum apparatus and into said vacuum branch. 